Agapanthus 'Royal Velvet'
African lily 'Royal Velvet'
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial to about 75cm with relatively narrow, dark grey-green leaves with purple staining at the base of the leaves and flower stems. Rounded flowerheads of funnel-shaped, deep purple flowers with a darker central stripe to each petal, are produced in late summer and early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green Grey Silver | Green | |
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Amaryllidaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs, cats): harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Agapanthus are clump-forming perennials with narrowly strap-shaped leaves, evergreen in some species, and erect stems bearing umbels of funnel-shaped blue or white flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or grow in a container. In cold areas, mulch well overwinter and take containers under cover. See agapanthus cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division every three to four years in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Banks and slopes
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
In late autumn remove any remaining leaves; seedheads can be left as they look attractive over winter
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and snails and agapanthus gall midge
Diseases
May be susceptible to a virus disease
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.